The number of female van drivers on British roads has reached an all time high, according to research by a leading commercial vehicle insurance provider.

Swinton Commercial has found a 23% rise in enquiries from women looking to purchase van insurance from this time two years ago. The growing number of female entrepreneurs or women working in trade professions such as plumbers and electricians is believed to be responsible for the rapid rise in 'Fem-Van' drivers.

A poll of 1,000 female van drivers by Swinton Commercial, found that 81% use the van as part of their own business and 19% drive on behalf of an employer. The survey also uncovered that the main use of the female van, or 'fem-van' was for deliveries.

Despite preconceptions, the most popular 'fem-van' colour was white (78%) followed by silver (17%) and thankfully only one female admitted to driving a pink van.

Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton, one of the UK's leading providers of van insurance, said: "The female van insurance market has seen a dramatic increase over the past few years as more women take their businesses to the roads. Our research has shown that female van drivers are highly responsible on the roads and very courteous to other motorists."

About Swinton

- Swinton Commercial is the dedicated commercial insurance division of the Swinton Group

- Swinton Commercial was awarded Commercial Lines Broker of the Year 2008 and is a finalist at the British Insurer Awards 2009

- With 580 branches nationwide Swinton.co.uk is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer

- Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community

- Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

- With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

Contacts: SKV Communications Anoushka Foster 0161 838 7770 Anoushka.Foster@skvcommunications.co.uk SKV Communications Michael Travers 0161 838 7770